CARDENTE

Madam, it is nothing But eating Salads, Oatmeal, and green fruits, She hath God the loving Chambermaids disease: On my virginity that's it, she must Be steeled to purpose. Certainly that's it: Madam she reads Arcadia's, Amorettas; And will discourse this Ladies love and that So sadly, that the faces in the hangings Seem to have sense and weep: I'm sure I cannot Forbear when I remember it. And jeer my age, that hath Given you counsel; which observed, would keep Your heart from aching, and your lunges from sighs: You never would cry aye me, that love, but cannot Be loved again. That's it upon my Maidenhead. Used what? my Maidenhead? You're very witty Ladies, To play on my decays; I could have done As well as you: but now have graver thoughts. Well Amanda, You may again want counsel; when you do I wish some cough may seize me, or the want Of my before teeth make my speech so imperfect, You may not understand it. How? you well? When your complexion's Like the queen of Spades; Or Like a painting wrought in the first colour; Or Like a withered blossom, or a— Well, well; I still must bear with youth. That's it Madame, We maids will chat so prettily alone; You did not well Amanda to abuse me Before the Duchess: other Ladies would not Have served me so, and there are few in Court But would make use of what you slight; my counsel: I have been versed in things that might advantage Your restitution. Your health, your mind; your wits. A little loving frenzy. pray think not Ladies This age of mine hath not attained some knowledge From observation. There have been few passages In Court which I have not been privy too. Ladies have fallen and risen; and their timpanies Have been cured with as secret carriage, As ever was practised by a suburb Midwife: I have had plots to save a Ladies honour. Come, You must not be reserved. How? suspect Amanda? By my virginity Why Melissa? I have been known and known these fifty years, My age hath seen Lords turn cast Ladies of Unto their Pages, and preferment follow; I have known secrets too, and kept them secret Without any Oath. Is't coming yet? A fig for shame. Then I must interpret, And now I see that's it. Yes, yes; it's so: your eye, your noses sharpness: And here's a sign. Of Gemini: You're subject to strange qualms, Are you not Lady? dare you wear a busk? Are you not quick? me thinks it kicks on both sides: You have been at it to some purpose. I can do it. She's not the first at Court hath had a clap, And let it be my charge to save her honour; Even the Duchess self— Tut I know secrets. No such matter Lady, Doubt not a close conveyance; yet I wish You had revealed it sooner: Physic then Might have done much. I'll not tell the Duchess. What sweet Lady? What will you bait me Ladies? Nay then farewell sweet Ladies. Exit. Nay, Madam, I made show Of any thing that might discover her: Told her I had been privy to such cases, And many a Ladies fallen. 'Twas my Lord Her own confession; yet before the Duchess She does pretend 'twas only and intent To mock my curiosity: but I fear It is too sad a truth. Nor I. There may be other causes why a Lady Of her pure constitution should be subject To qualms and puling. That may be it my Lord, and if you could Discover who the man is. All would straightappeare In its full truth; her stain, or innocence; For thus my Lord. I know the inclinations Of all the Gallants; which are Goats, which Eunuchs: Now if she does love any forward youth, One that will thrust his Knife into the meat Before he hath said grace (you can apply it) 'Tis so; if not, so. Pray Heaven He do not stab her. Nay good Lady, If any grounded fear hath raised suspicion, Truth ought to be discovered; if it were, We then would make provision of some Villam, Some pretty Country house, under pretence That air's most wholesome for you. Soldiers do not use To Beneventi. Other perfumes than match and Gunpowder. Trust me the Soldier speaks Excellent Courtship Ladies. Those rich jewels Will be yours shortly; and I would advice you Not to refuse them upon any terms When they are offered. My Lord Observe how they are paired. Doubtless all's clear: And sure he'll make amends. That's it; she is struck With the blind Archer. Sure your father Says right sweet Lady; there's much difference Betwixt the Duchess and a Subject's wife; Betwixt a chair of State, and a thrum'd couch; A Ward robe that would furnish a Jews Lumbre, And one embroidered petty-coat for Sundays; And that perhaps not paid for too. Be wise, Obey your father Lady and be Duchess: It'll be the better choice. Why there's your privilege, Great Ladies ought not love: their husbands more Then in a just proportion of state. There are means; You understand my Lord: but yet I do not advice you to it. But is there virtue in any such? Good my Lord Impart it to my use; I feign would have A Husband yet. I'll to my Closet And pray, then love. Exit. O a Confessor. It was Lord Corvino. But I am peppered; There's something in my conscience. Spurio, and Notho were your natural brother's, God by your father, on your mother sir. In his first Duchess days she being barren. I and Corvino had the secret carriage Of all the business. He hath poisoned me. I never shall love Philters more. Dies. Nice religion Awes not a Politician. They both stood Betwixt me and my ends.